A Grand Tour.

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Today I joined a delegation of diocesan clergy, along with Archbishop Samy and Bishop Mouneer on a goodwill visit for the festival of Eid, to the Grand Mufti in Al-Azhar in Cairo.

We were cordially received, as always, and served with sweet tea and water.

The discussions centred around interfaith understanding, co-operation, and national unity, and there was unequivocal backing for the new Diploma in Interfaith Understanding which is in the process of formal preparation and approval.

Coincidentally, on the day that the Pope issued an encyclical warning of the dangers of AI, there was a most interesting discussion on the difficulties encountered in the faith space by Muslim leaders from AI in relation to the interpretation of faith matters.

After this meeting we headed for the new administrative capital to meet with the Minister for Religious Affairs and Endowments, Dr, al-Azhari.

It was a more than one hour long journey in a bumpy minibus, with struggling air-conditioning and persistent flies!

On our arrival, we were warmly greeted and ushered into a cool, well appointed meeting room. 

Our places were named (in Arabic), and we were provided with a light lunch and fruit juice, while Dr. Al-Azhari and the Bishops held a short private meeting elsewhere.

The meeting itself began shortly thereafter and it was immediately clear that there is a very strong bond of friendship between all concerned.

Dr. al-Azhari spoke about the need for continued efforts towards the understanding of each faith and praised the work of Bishop Mouneer in particular, whom he described sincerely as a brother. Once again, he praised the new education initiative and it is very clear that there is real pride in Egypt regarding the tolerance, understanding, and openness that exists between all ethnicities, faiths, and nationalities.

I have seen this myself as I walk around freely in clerical collar, being met with warmth and greeting wherever I go.

We laughed easily and on our departure, after the obligatory photograph, were back on the bus towards Cairo.

I must say that I am encouraged at the mutual respect and encouragement shown by one and all, and there is certainly a lesson for us to learn at home. As Bishop Mouneer put it so eloquently, 'Building relationships and trust requires true love and respect.' He has a masterful way about him!

I had an early supper at Granita after a long day, and as I sat and watched the sunset on the Cathedral steps, I was treated to the call to prayer in the distance. So atmosperic; so ancient; so Egypt!

And then, my North Star came out!

A perfect end to the day.



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